14. Dangerous Liaisons

After receiving a text from Kaitlynn, the three brothers and Fae met up with the Pierce vampire in the Salvatore's living room.

"The coffin that Fae and co opened last night, it had their mother Esther in it" Kaitlynn revealed to them, having gotten this information from Elijah, who had met up with her when she had gone to check up on Ric at the hospital, as he was also attacked but the person who was going around killing the founding council.

"As in the Original Witch?" Stefan asked shocked.

"What?" Damon asked, "How is she even alive?".

"Yeah, I thought that stupid hybrid killed her a thousand years ago" Brayden said, equally as confused as his brothers.

"I mean, if she was as powerful of a witch as we've been told, then there is a possibility that the witches on the other side might have helped her come back to life" Fae said.

"According to Elijah, Esther isn't here to kill anyone" Kaitlynn revealed, "She is just here to live in peace and harmony with her children, which if you didn't figure out yet, also includes Klaus".

"She was supposed to be the weapon that helps us kill Klaus" Stefan reminded.

"Yeah well, we thought wrong" Kaitlynn said, "She's not here to kill anyone Stefan, she's here to play family".

"That coffin was the only thing stopping Klaus from tearing us to shreds" Stefan said, pacing back and forth in frustration.

"Anyone else feeling a little used right now?" Damon asked.

"Me" Brayden said, pouring himself a drink and downing it in one go.

"Guys, I don't think we have anything to worry, Elijah assured me that no one in his family would hurt any of us" Kaitlynn informed.

"And we are just supposed to take his word for it?" Brayden asked.

"Yes" Kaitlynn replied.

"Kaitlynn, don't be an idiot" Damon said, "Elijah might have helped us once, but that does not mean he's on our side now".

"I mean, he is on Kaitlynn's side" Fae mumbled, making everyone look at her, "What? Am I lying?".

Before anyone could say anything to her, there was a knock on the Salvatore's front door.

Brayden turned to Fae, "No you are not" he said, before walking towards the front door while Kaitlynn and Damon glanced at each other.

Brayden opened the front door, he frowned seeing no one there, looking down he was met with three white envelopes addressed to Brayden Salvatore, Fae Bennett and Kaitlynn Pierce, a confused Brayden picked the envelopes up and took them back inside.

"What is it?" Damon asked, seeing his brother entering the room with three envelopes in his hand.

"I think me, Fae and Kaitlynn are invited to something" Brayden replied, handing Kaitlynn and Fae their envelopes and then proceeding to open his invitation, "Please join the Mikaelson family this evening at 7 o'clock for dancing, cocktails and celebration".

"Who the hell are the Mikaelsons?" Stefan asked confused.

"Kol", "Elijah" Both Brayden and Kaitlynn mumbled at the same time.

"Aka the original family" Fae concluded.

"Wait, mine has a note at the back" Kaitlynn said, turning her invitation around and reading what it said on the back, "Kaitlynn, please join me this evening, I believe there is a lot more we both have to talk about, Elijah".

Fae turned her invitation around, "Mine is blank" she informed, she then turned to Brayden, "How about yours?".

Brayden turned his invitation around and realised his wasn't blank, "Brayden, I think it's finally time we have our reunion, Kol" he read out.

"Oh boy" Fae mumbled, "This night isn't going to end well".

***

"Neither of you are going" Damon stated.

"Don't be jealous Damon" Fae said, "Just cause you and Stefan weren't invited doesn't mean we are not going to go".

"Actually Fae, that's exactly what it means" Stefan said, "You're delusional if you think I'm letting you go alone".

"Except she won't be alone" Brayden said, "I'm going to be there as well".

"You're going?" Damon asked, Brayden simply nodded.

"So am I" Kaitlynn added.

"Are you three serious?" Damon asked, glaring at the three vampires infront of him.

"Very" Brayden replied.

"Bray, if you go to this thing and meet up with Kol, your already on the rocks relationship with Caroline is going to get even more damaged" Damon snapped.

Brayden looked at Damon, then at the invitation that was still in his hand and after a moment of pause, he finally said, "I'm going", before anyone could say anything to him, he walked out of the room.

Damon turned to Kaitlynn, "I'm coming with you" he stated.

"Damon--".

"If you want to go, then go Kaitlynn, but I'm coming with you, end of story" Damon stated, before walking out of the room.

Kaitlynn looked at Fae who just shrugged, so with a sigh Kaitlynn also left the room, leaving Fae and Stefan alone.

"So" Fae said, looking at Stefan, "Want to be my date to this thing?".

Stefan looked at Fae in slight shock, "You want me to be your date?".

Fae nodded, "It's been a long time since we danced together" she replied, "And you also said you don't want be alone there, so you can come to protect me, even though I can totally protect myself".

Stefan looked at Fae, then after a moment, nodded, "I'll see you there".

Hearing Stefan, a huge smile formed on Fae's face, "Great" she said, "I'll make sure to look my best for you".

Stefan watched as Fae quickly ran out of them room, a small smile forming on his face seeing the heretic's excitement.

***

Caroline was sitting in her living room when there was a knock on her front door, a confused Caroline walked up to her front door and opened it, she frowned seeing no one there, looking down she was met with a blue box wrapped in a white ribbon.

Picking the box, Caroline took it in her room and placed it on her bed, she grabbed the envelope that was attached to the box and read the invitation, she was confused with who the Mikaelson family was, but her confusion was cleared when she turned the invitation around and read the note on the back.

Save me a dance,
fondly,
Klaus

Caroline scoffed reading the note, "Seriously?" she asked, dropping the invitation on her bed, she then stared at the box infront of her for a moment, then proceeded to open it, and immediately she was mesmerized seeing the dress infront of her.

"Blue will suit you".

A startled Caroline gasped and turned to face the voice who had scared her, only to see her ex-boyfriend standing there, an unreadable expression on his face.

"What are you doing here?" a confused Caroline asked.

"Came to check up on you" Brayden replied, walking over to Caroline's bed and picking the invitation up, turning it around he read the back of it and immediately Caroline saw his jaw clench, she could tell he was trying not to show how angry he was.

"You should go" Brayden said, after a moment of silence.

Caroline looked at Brayden in shock, "What?" she asked, not sure if she heard him correctly.

"You should go to the dance, clearly someone really wants you there" Brayden repeated, looking at Caroline, "Don't worry, you won't be alone, I'll be there as well".

"Wait, you got invited to?" Caroline asked confused.

"Yeah, by Kol" Brayden replied.

Caroline looked at Brayden, jealously, anger and sadness all shown on her face clearly, "So you and Kol are going be reconciling tonight?".

Brayden looked at Caroline, "That wasn't the plan before, but it is now" he simply said.

"What was the plan before?" Caroline asked, an hopeful tone in her voice.

Brayden looked down at the invitation in his hand, "It doesn't matter anymore" he simply said, crumpling the paper up.

"Brayden--".

"I'll see you there Caroline, but don't let my presence effect yours and Klaus's magical night" Brayden interrupted.

Caroline opened her mouth to protest, but before she could Brayden had speeded away, leaving behind a confused and heartbroken Caroline.

What Caroline didn't know was that Brayden had come to ask her to be his date to the ball tonight, but that thought when in the bin when he saw Klaus's invitation for Caroline, anger and jealously took over Brayden's mind, so he did the one thing he shouldn't have done, he pushed Caroline away from him and towards Klaus.

***

After gathering herself, Caroline met up with Fae and Kaitlynn at the Grill for lunch.

"Isn't all of this a bit weird?" Kaitlynn asked her friends.

"What is?" Fae asked.

"The fact that the originals are throwing a ball" Kaitlynn replied, "Like an actual ball, like the balls you see in Disney movies".

"The type of ball that you go to with your prince charming" Caroline whispered, eating her curly fries.

Fae and Kaitlynn looked at the Forbes girl in sympathy, knowing that her heart was breaking after hearing that Brayden accepted Kol's invitation to the ball.

"You should have told Brayden that you want him to be your date and not Klaus" Fae said.

"Don't you think I tried that?" Caroline asked, "But Brayden Salvatore never listens to anyone except himself".

"So you aren't going?" Kaitlynn asked.

"No, I'm going" Caroline replied.

"With Klaus?" Fae asked, hoping the Forbes girl would say no.

"Yeap" Caroline replied, making both Kaitlynn and Fae shake their heads.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Kaitlynn asked.

"Of course it is" Caroline replied, "Brayden wants me and Klaus to have a magical evening together, so that's exactly what I'm going to do".

"And are you sure you will be able to handle seeing Brayden and Kol together?" Fae asked, concerned for her best friend.

Caroline looked at Fae, she hesitated for a moment, "Of course I can" she finally said, she then looked at her best friend, a nervous expression forming on her face, "But if I can't handle it, you two will be there for me, right?".

Both Fae and Kaitlynn gave Caroline a small smile, they each grabbed her hands, "Of course" Kaitlynn said.

"Always" Fae said, squeezing Caroline's hand in reassurance.

Caroline gave her two friends a grateful smile, "Enough about me" she said, quickly changing the subject, "Let's talk about you two now".

"What about us?" Fae asked confused.

"About that fact that while my love ship is sinking, both of yours is sailing" Caroline teased, "I mean come on you guys, you're taking Stefan and Damon to the ball, how exciting is that?!".

"I wouldn't get excited just yet" Fae said.

"Agreed" Kaitlynn said.

"Why not?" Caroline asked confused.

"Because Stefan still isn't the old Stefan" Fae replied, "Yeah, he's showing signs, but he's not completely back, and I don't think me and him can be us till he comes back fully".

"Don't worry, he will come back to you very soon" Caroline assured.

"Not until he lets go of his vendetta against Klaus" Fae said, "I feel like till Stefan is in revenge mode, all he's going to feel is anger and hatred, nothing else".

"And me and Damon, it's just too complicated" Kaitlynn said.

"Why?" Caroline asked, "Because you two kissed?".

"Or because of Elijah?" Fae asked.

"Both" Kaitlynn replied honestly, "All of this is just so confusing, I don't know what I'm supposed to feel, let alone who the hell am I supposed to feel it for".

"Well that's easy" Caroline said, "You just have to figure out who makes you the most happy".

"Who makes you feel the most alive?" Fae asked.

"Whose face do you want to see when you are falling asleep?" Caroline asked.

"And whose face do you want to wake up to every morning?" Fae asked.

"Who in your saddest moments makes a smile form on your face?" Caroline asked.

"Who in your darkest times has stayed by your side?" Fae asked.

"But most of all, who does your heart beat the loudest for?" Caroline asked.

"Who is it that your heart craves for?" Fae asked.

"Okay stop" Kaitlynn said, "You two aren't helping me, you are just confusing me even more".

"Oh come on Kait, it's not that hard" Fae said.

"Just ask yourself all these questions, then watch yourself figure out who you want to be with" Caroline said.

"Who do you guys think I should be with?" Kaitlynn asked curiously.

"Don't ask us, we are kind of biased" Fae replied.

"Not kind of, very biased" Caroline corrected.

"Towards Damon?" Kaitlynn asked, both Fae and Caroline nodded.

"Damon's gone through a lot, I just think it's finally time he finds his happily ever after" Fae said.

"I know Elijah has been through a lot as well, but like Fae said we are biased towards Damon, we don't know Elijah but we know Damon, and we just want him to be happy with the girl he's always loved" Caroline said.

"Since the moment he laid his eyes on her" Fae added.

Kaitlynn let her friends words sink, realising they were not wrong, Damon had loved her then, and he loved her now, but the thing is, so did Elijah. Kaitlynn realised tonight's talk with Elijah will either put an end to their story thus marking a new beginning for her and Damon, or would start a new chapter for them and end her and Damon forever.

***

Brayden's look for the ball

Brayden entered the Mikaelson estate, immediately he was met with people dressed up in their tuxes and fancy gowns, this was the type of party Brayden despised, he didn't like being surrounded by people we were dressed like something but acted like something else.

Brayden unbuttoned his tux and made his way to his twin, who he saw standing with Carol Lockwood.

"Ah, there you are" Damon said, seeing his brother walking up to him, "You clean up nice".

"You don't" Brayden said.

"Since I know you don't mean that, I won't take any offense" Damon said.

Brayden shook his head and turned to Carol, who was very amused seeing the two brothers interaction, "Carol" Brayden greeted, grabbing the back of Carol's hand and placing a small kiss, "You look amazing tonight".

Carol chuckled, "You really know how to charm a women, don't you Brayden?".

"Not only women, he also knows how to charm men" Kol said, walking over to the group, causing Brayden to immediately look at him, while Damon glared at the original.

"What can I say? I was born a charmer" Brayden said.

Kol smirked at his former lover, he then turned to Carol, "Mayor Lockwood" he greeted, shaking her hand, "We haven't formally met, Kol Mikaelson", Kol placed a kiss on the back of Carol's hand, making Brayden roll his eyes, "We hope your lovely town embraces us just as much as we plan to embrace it".

"Damon Salvatore" Damon introduced, forwarding his hand towards Kol, "Have we met?".

"We nearly did, but never got around it" Kol said, ignoring Damon's hand and turning to Brayden, "And you are?".

Brayden raised an eyebrow at Kol, wondering what game he was planning this time, Kol simply smirked, "Brayden Salvatore" Brayden finally said, forwarding his hand towards Kol.

"Ah yes" Kol said, shaking Brayden's hand, "I know you, Brayden Salvatore, the ruthless Salvatore".

"And you are Kol Mikaelson, the psychotic maniac" Brayden retorted.

"Match made in heaven, right?" Kol asked.

"More like hell" Brayden said, taking his hand away from Kol and waking away.

Kol chuckled hearing Brayden, but instead of going after Brayden, he walked the opposite direction, knowing he had the whole night to achieve what he had planned.

Damon shook his head at both Brayden and Kol, he wouldn't say it out loud, but he didn't like the way both of them looked at each other, not only because he didn't trust an original with his little brother, but also because he didn't want Kol and Brayden's history to end up hurting Caroline.

Damon's trance was broken, when the front doors opened and in came Kaitlynn and Fae.

Kaitlynn's look

Fae's look

Seeing Kaitlynn, for a moment Damon froze, he looked at her and all he saw was her, everything around him turned into a blur, for him it was just him and Kaitlynn, the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.

"Excuse me, Carol" a slightly dazed Damon said, excusing himself from Carol and walking over to where Kaitlynn and Fae were.

On the other side, Stefan had also seen the two girls enter, and just like Damon, he was stunned, only difference was while Damon couldn't take his eyes off of Kaitlynn, Stefan's eyes were stuck on Fae, after getting himself together, Stefan quickly walked over to the two girls, not wanting someone else to steal his date.

"Well, look who cleans up nicely" Fae commented, a smile forming on her face seeing the youngest Salvatore walking over to her.

"Surprise, surprise, nice tux" Damon told Stefan, standing next to Kaitlynn.

"Shall we?" Fae asked Stefan.

Stefan nodded and forwarded his arm, Fae with a huge smile on her face, looped their arms together and let Stefan guide her towards the party, leaving Kaitlynn and Damon alone.

Damon turned to Kaitlynn and without saying anything, forwarded his arm towards her, and Kaitlynn after a moment looped her arm with his, a small smile forming on her face as Damon led her further into the party, a smile not missed by Damon or Elijah, who also had his eyes on Kaitlynn since the moment she stepped in.

***

Brayden was standing near the bar, waiting for his drink, when his eyes landed on the front door and he saw Caroline enter, seeing his soulmate and former girlfriend, Brayden froze, she looked breath taking, Brayden hadn't realised when his feet had started moving towards Caroline, it was almost like he was in a trance seeing her, but that trance quickly broke when he saw Klaus walk up to her, staring at her the same way he was, with eyes full of adoration, which made Brayden want to kill the hybrid right here and there.

"You have a beautiful soulmate".

Brayden turned to his side and saw Kol standing next to him, his eyes on Caroline and Klaus.

"I know" Brayden simply said.

"I see she's wearing the dress Nik gave her, alongside the bracelet he gave her for her birthday, Nik bragged about giving your soulmate a better gift then you" Kol said, fueling Brayden's jealously.

"Stop" Brayden warned.

Kol turned to Brayden, a small smirk on his face, "Stop what?" he asked.

"Stop trying to get me angry" Brayden replied.

"I don't have to try that Bray, you already are angry" Kol said.

"Right now, you're making me more angry" Brayden snapped.

"Just like old times" Kol smiled.

"We aren't in the old times anymore, Kol" Brayden said, looking at his former lover.

"I know that" Kol said, "But doesn't mean I'm not going to try to go back".

"I love her, Kol" Brayden whispered.

"But you love me as well" Kol said, "Nik compelling me away from your memories, put a pause on us, but it never erased me from your heart fully".

"I need a drink" Brayden said, turning back towards the bar, but neither him or Kol missed the fact that Brayden didn't deny the original's words.

***

"Welcome, thank you for joining us" Elijah said, addressing the guests as him and his family, including his mother stood on the stairs, "You know, whenever my mother brings our family together like this it's tradition for us to commence the evening with a dance".

Brayden walked over to his brothers, who were standing with their respective dates, "See who I see?" he asked.

"Oh, yeah" Stefan replied, while the others nodded.

"Tonight's pick is a centuries-old waltz" Elijah continued, "So if all of you could find yourselves a partner, please join us in the ballroom".

Immediately, Damon turned to Kaitlynn and took his hand out, "It would be rude not to dance, you know".

Kaitlynn smiled, "Is this becoming our thing now?" she asked, "Dancing together in events?".

"Only if you want it to be" Damon replied.

"I mean, I don't mind it" Kaitlynn said, placing her hand in Damon's and letting him lead her towards the ballroom.

"Shall we, Mr. Salvatore?" Fae asked Stefan.

"I don't dance" Stefan replied.

"Well, today you are" Fae said, grabbing Stefan's hand and dragging him towards the ballroom, ignoring his protests.

After hearing Elijah, Brayden's eyes immediately started looking for Caroline, and when he saw her, he ended up crushing the glass in his hand as he saw Klaus leading her towards the ballroom, before Brayden could walk over to them and yank Caroline away from Klaus, Elena came up to him.

"Brayden, dance with me?" Elena asked.

Brayden looked at Elena in confusion, "Have you lost your mind?" he asked, "Why the hell will I dance with you?".

Elena looked around and after making sure no one was eavesdropping, she whispered to Brayden, "Esther wants to see me".

Brayden looked at Elena in shock, "What, why?".

"Dance with me and I'll tell you" Elena replied.

"Why are you hell bent on dancing with me, Elena?" Brayden asked confused.

"Because I need your help" Elena replied simply, "Don't you want to know what Esther is up to?".

Brayden sighed, truth is, he didn't believe that Esther was only here to reunite her family, he believed she had some kind of ulterior motive and he wanted to know what it was, even if that meant he had to team up with Elena to find out what Esther is up to.

"Fine, let's go" Brayden said.

"Great" Elena said, about to grab Brayden's hand.

"Nuh-uh" Brayden said, removing his hand from Elena's hand, "No touching".

"We need to touch to dance" Elena retorted.

"That doesn't mean we need to touch now" Brayden snapped, walking towards the ballroom.

Elena shook her head but nonetheless followed Brayden towards the ballroom, where the dance was about to start.

"You look stunning, if it isn't obvious" Damon told Kaitlynn, as they started walking to the beat of the song.

"Thank you" Kaitlynn said, "You don't look too bad yourself".

"I know" Damon said, making Kaitlynn chuckle.

Klaus span Caroline around and she placed her hand on his shoulder while he placed his hand on her waist and they started waltzing around the room.

"I'm glad you came" Klaus told Caroline, whose eyes were stuck on Elena and Brayden, she didn't like the way Elena was looking at Brayden, she already had to deal with an original, Caroline didn't have it in her to compete with Elena as well.

"Well, it was either caviar or sympathy casseroles" Caroline said, finally turning to Klaus.

"I heard about your father" Klaus started.

"Don't" Caroline warned, "Seriously".

"Very well" Klaus said, realising Caroline had no desire to talk about her father, "Onto more mannered subjects then, like how ravishing you look in that dress".

"I didn't really have time to shop" Caroline defended.

"The bracelet I gave you? What's your excuse for wearing that?" Klaus asked, Caroline stayed quiet, she didn't want to tell Klaus that she only wear the bracelet to spite Brayden, to show him that if he is here for Kol, then she is here with Klaus, "You know, you're quite the dancer".

"Well, I've had training" Caroline informed, "I happen to be Miss Mystic Falls".

"I know" Klaus simply said, making Caroline look at him in slight shock.

"See, you're not that bad of dancer" Fae teased, as her and Stefan danced together.

"I have a good dance partner" Stefan said, looking at the heretic in his arms.

Fae looked at Stefan, "This feels nice" she whispered, "It feels like the old us".

"But we aren't the old us" Stefan said.

Fae sighed, "I know" she said, "But can't you give me this one night?".

"If I give you this one night, tomorrow morning you will just wake up to disappointment" Stefan replied.

"I don't mind that" Fae said, "As long as I have the memory of today, I think I can live through tomorrow's disappointment".

Stefan didn't say anything, just pulled Fae closer to him and both of them swayed to the music, both relishing this moment to the fullest.

"So you want me to help you get to Esther without any of the originals realising?" Brayden asked Elena, as the danced around the room.

"Yeah, can you help me?" Elena asked.

"I'll help you, but I have a few conditions" Brayden replied.

"Which are?" Elena asked.

"Whatever you and Esther talk about, I want to know each and every detail" Brayden replied.

"Okay" Elena said, "I'll tell you everything".

"Second thing, I want Klaus dead, only Klaus, no one else should be in danger" Brayden said.

Elena looked at Brayden, "You mean you want me to make sure Kol's not in danger".

"Can you do that?" Brayden asked, not even trying to deny Elena's words.

"I can try" Elena replied.

Brayden nodded, "If he is in danger, you need to tell me straight away, understood?".

"Very much so" Elena replied.

"Great" Brayden said, "I'll help you get to Esther after this dance ends".

Elena nodded in understanding, Brayden then span her to the next person, while his next dance partner span towards him, who just so happen to be Caroline Forbes.

"Nice dress" Brayden said, immediately wrapping his arm around Caroline's waist and pulling her towards him.

Caroline didn't miss the taunt in Brayden's voice, but she chose to ignore it, she had more pressing issues to deal with right now, "What the hell are you doing with Elena, Brayden?".

"Dancing, like you were with Klaus" Brayden replied.

Caroline glared at Brayden, "I'm glad you saw that, Klaus is a great dancer" she snapped.

"Then why aren't you dancing with him?" Brayden snapped back.

"I was but I had to change partner, trust me, if we didn't have to change then I would still have been with him, like you would have still been with Elena or maybe even Kol" Caroline taunted, glaring at Brayden.

At this point both Caroline and Brayden had stopped dancing and were in the dance floor, glaring at each other, unaware of the many eyes on them.

"Careful Caroline, you're sounding jealous" Brayden taunted.

"I should hate you" Caroline whispered.

"Yes you should" Brayden said.

"But I can't" Caroline argued.

"You will soon" Brayden simply said, walking away from Caroline, who after a moment also walked away.

Unknown to the two soulmates, a lot of people had heard and saw the small spat between them, Stefan and Damon looked at each other in concern, they were worried about their brother, they were worried that he was pushing away the one person who made him want to be good, they were worried what this was going turn Brayden into.

Fae and Kaitlynn were worried for Caroline, knowing how much she loved Brayden, knowing how much Brayden's words and behavior was hurting her, all they hoped was that Brayden got his senses back before it was too late for the two soulmates.

On the other, Kol and Klaus who had their eyes on the two soulmates, realised that the path to each of them was much easier then they thought.

After witnessing Caroline and Brayden's fight, Damon span Kaitlynn over to her next partner, who happened to be Elijah.

"Kaitlynn" Elijah greeted.

"Elijah" Kaitlynn greeted.

"You look beautiful tonight" Elijah praised.

"Thank you" Kaitlynn said, "I see that you've gotten a hair cut".

"According to Rebekah I have to look good if I ever want you back in my life" Elijah said.

Hearing Elijah's words, Kaitlynn looked at him in shock, not expecting him to say that, then without realising what she was doing her eyes started looking for the older Salvatore, who she saw dancing with Rebekah, but with his eyes on her, the anger and jealously in his eyes let Kaitlynn know he was listening to Elijah and her.

Kaitlynn looked between the two vampires, then stepped back from Elijah, "I need some air" she said, before quickly running out of the ballroom.

Seeing Elijah follow Kaitlynn out, caused Damon to separate from Rebekah and follow the two vampires, needing to know what was happening.

***

"Kaitlynn" Elijah called out, running after the vampire, who while trying to lose both Damon and Elijah ended up cornering herself in the Mikaelson's library.

"Please" Kaitlynn pleaded, "Leave me alone Elijah, I can't do this right now".

Elijah observed Kaitlynn for a moment, "Is this about Damon Salvatore?" he asked, shocking Kaitlynn, she didn't think Elijah knew about whatever was happening between her and Damon, "Is he the reason you refuse to let me come near you?".

"I don't remember you Elijah" Kaitlynn whispered, "Yet whenever you come near me, my heart recognizes you, it realises that you are someone special to me, but I can't lie and say that my heart doesn't care for Damon, because it does, I don't know what I feel for you or him, I'm confused, love is an emotion I've run away from for centuries, I need time, I just need to gather my thoughts, I--".

"I understand" Elijah interrupted an overwhelmed Kaitlynn, "I will wait for you Kaitlynn, for as long as you need me to".

Kaitlynn looked at Elijah, "I can't ask you to wait for me" she whispered, "That's not fair on you".

"It's my choice" Elijah said, stepping closer to Kaitlynn, he cupped her face in his hands, "I just have one request".

"Which is?" Kaitlynn asked, Elijah's closeness effecting her immensely.

"Let me kiss you, just once" Elijah whispered.

Kaitlynn looked into Elijah's eyes, and after a moment nodded, "Okay" she whispered.

And with that, Elijah placed his lips on to Kaitlynn's lips, trying to show her how much he loved her, how much he missed her, how much he needed her.

Unknown to both Elijah and Kaitlynn, this was the moment Damon decided to walk in and seeing the moment infront him broke his heart, before anyone could realise he was here, Damon turned around and walked away, anger evident on his face and in his eyes, as he realised that once again, he lost the girl.

***

After her argument with Brayden, Caroline stepped outside and admired the horse that was parked outside the Mikaelson mansion.

"You like horses" Klaus said, approaching the Forbes girl.

Caroline looked at Klaus, "I'm not talking to you until you tell me why you invited me here" she said.

"I fancy you" Klaus admitted, shocking Caroline, "Is that so hard to believe?".

"Yes" Caroline replied.

"Why?" Klaus asked, "You're beautiful, you're strong, you're full of light, I enjoy you".

"Well, I'm spoken for" Caroline said.

"Didn't seem like that on the dance floor" Klaus said, letting Caroline know he had heard her and Brayden's argument.

"Yeah because of you and your brother" Caroline snapped.

"So you aren't spoken for" Klaus retorted, Caroline stayed quiet and instead of replying to Klaus went back to admiring the horse, "You know, horses are the opposite of people, they're loyal, my father hunted me for a thousand years and the closest he ever came was the day he killed my favorite horse, he severed its neck with a sword as a warning".

"Did you ever consider sitting down with your father and talking it out?" Caroline asked.

"I'm afraid my relationship with my father was a little bit more complex than yours" Klaus replied.

"Maybe so, but I let my father go with no regrets" Caroline said, "And to answer your question, yes, I like horses, but I also like people, and they actually like me, so I'll be inside".

Caroline turned to leave, but Klaus's next words stunned her, "I'll be careful once you go inside Caroline, my brother has no intention of letting Brayden go tonight".

Caroline stood there for a second, but before Klaus could realise how heartbroken she felt hearing that, she quickly walked inside, hoping to find Fae or Kaitlynn and ask if they were ready to leave, because Caroline had enough of this party and it's people.

***

"So?" Brayden asked, walking over to Elena, "What did she want?".

Elena hesitated for a moment, "Nothing" she finally spoke.

"Nothing?" Brayden asked, "The original witch wanted to talk to you about nothing?".

"She just wanted to apologise for trying to have me killed" Elena lied.

Brayden frowned, immediately he could tell that Elena was lying to him, but before he could confront her about it, Kol walked over to them.

"Still hate champagne?" Kol asked, forwarding Brayden a flute of champagne.

"Very much so" Brayden replied, taking the flute of champagne from Kol, but not before giving Elena a this isn't over look, who nodded and quickly walked away, not wanting to be near either of the vampires right now, knowing after they find out what she did, both of them, especially Brayden would be first in line to murder her.

 "Good evening, ladies and gentleman" Esther said, addressing the crowd, "Waiters are coming around with champagne, I invite you all to join me in raising a glass", Brayden watched with a clenched jaw, as Klaus handed Caroline a glass of champagne who accepted it with a smile on her face, "It provides me with no greater joy than to see my family back together as one, I'd like to thank you all for being part of this spectacular evening, cheers".

"Cheers, darling" Kol told Brayden.

"Calling me darling wasn't funny then, it isn't funny now" Brayden said, clinking his glass with Kol's.

"Yes but the annoyance on your face when I call you darling was hilarious then and it's hilarious now" Kol teased, taking a sip of the champagne.

Brayden did the same, "Yeap" he said, grimacing at the taste, "Still hate champagne".

"Well, after this party is over how about you and I go to the Grill, is it?" Kol asked, "For whatever you want to drink, I'll even pay for it".

Brayden looked at Kol for a moment, he's mind kept telling him to say no, this was a bad idea, agreeing to this was going to end up hurting everyone involved, but his heart said a different story, and unlike the other days, this time Brayden decided to listen to his heart.

"Sure" Brayden said, causing a huge smile to form on Kol's face.

***

After spending a little bit more time with Brayden, Kol had then disappeared, telling Brayden he had something important to do but he will see him later, making Brayden look at him suspiciously, especially after seeing the familiar look Kol sent Matt's way, the look that told Brayden Kol was going to murder Matt, so against his better judgement, Brayden decided to make sure his former lover didn't cause any mayhem tonight.

As Matt was walking upstairs, he suddenly heard his name coming from the terrace, confusing him, but nonetheless he followed the voice, wanting to know who was calling him.

"Good evening" Kol greeted, suddenly coming behind Matt, "You're Rebekah's friend", Kol forwarded his hand towards Matt, "We haven't met".

After a moment of hesitation, Matt shook Kol's hand, "Matt Donovan" he introduced.

"Kol Mikaelson" Kol introduced, starting to crush Matt's hand, causing the Donovan boy to yell and fall to the ground.

"Hey, hey, hey, easy on the hand" Damon said, making Kol glare at him, "The guy's a quarterback".

Damon glared at Kol, he then charged towards him but before he could attack the original, Brayden came between the two and shoved them away from each other, in the process causing Kol to let go of Matt's hand.

"What the hell is wrong with you two?!" Brayden yelled, glaring at his brother and the original.

"Relax darling, I was just having a bit of fun, your brother is the one who decided to make it a fight" Kol said.

Before Brayden could say anything, Kaitlynn walked over to the group, having heard the commotion, "What's going on here?" she asked, confused seeing Matt lying on the ground in pain.

"Oh look whose here" Damon said, sarcasm evident in his voice, "Done making out with Elijah?".

"What?" Kaitlynn asked shocked, she hadn't realised that Damon had seen her and Elijah's kiss, "Damon I--".

"Save it Kaitlynn" Damon snapped, "I've seen and heard enough for the night".

Before Kaitlynn could say anything else, Damon walked away.

Brayden looked at Kaitlynn, he then shook his head and walked away, officially done with this whole party.

***

Damon and Brayden sat at the bar in Mystic Grill, both the brothers trying to get drunk and forget this night ever happened.

"So Kaitlynn kissed Elijah?" Brayden asked.

"Yeap" Damon replied.

"And you saw them" Brayden asked.

"Yeap" Damon replied, downing his drink.

"You realise that doesn't mean that she's picked him, right?" Brayden said, "Maybe it was a goodbye kiss?".

"Doubt that" Damon said, "And can we stop talking about Kaitlynn and Elijah, talking about them gives me a headache, you know what, if Kaitlynn gets to kiss Elijah and forget about me, then I deserve a night to forget about her".

Brayden looked at his brother, "That's not how it works" he said.

"It does tonight, I need a distraction" Damon said, looking around the Grill, his eyes finally landing on the blonde original who was just rejected by Matt, "Found one".

Brayden looked in the direction Damon was looking at, "Damon, no" he said, realising he was talking about Rebekah.

"Damon, yes" Damon simply said, standing up and walking over to Rebekah.

Brayden shook his head at his brother, "Idiot" he mumbled, going back to drinking and leaving Damon be, knowing no matter what he said, Damon wasn't going to listen to him.

"And how did I know you were going to be here?" Kol asked, walking over to Brayden.

"Same way I knew somehow you'd end up here" Brayden replied, pouring a drink and sliding it over to Kol.

"Getting drunk are we?" Kol asked, downing his drink.

"Yes" Brayden replied.

"Any reason why?" Kol asked smirking.

Brayden looked at Kol, "You" he replied, "Your messing with my head, and I don't like it".

Kol smirked, he then stepped closer to the middle Salvatore, "You used to like that once upon a time" he said.

"Things are different now Kol" Brayden said.

"If things are so different, then why are you still wearing this?" Kol asked, tracing his hand on the back of Brayden's neck and pulling out the pendent he gave him.

"None of your business" Brayden snapped, shoving Kol away from him and standing away.

Before Brayden could walk away from him, Kol grabbed his arm and forced him to face him, and before Brayden could once again push him away, Kol smashed his lips on to Brayden's.

For a moment Brayden did not respond, he knew this shouldn't be happening, it wasn't right, but after seeing Klaus and Caroline together, and his argument with Caroline, Brayden was angry, and in his anger he couldn't help but give into his desires so he put his hand on the back of Kol's neck and deepened the kiss, while on the other hand Damon also ended up sleeping with Rebekah.

***

Presenting 3x14 of The Vampire Diaries . . .

How was the chapter?

Thoughts on Caroline and Brayden being jealous of Kol and Klaus?

Thoughts on Damon witnessing Elijah and Kaitlynn's kiss?

Thoughts on Elena dancing with Brayden?

Thoughts on Brayden and Damon ending the night by sleeping with Kol and Rebekah?